UBC is moving toward a more secure and user-friendly way to connect smart devices on campus with the upcoming launch of SplashAccess. This new service will allow the community to safely connect all network-enabled equipment used in teaching, learning, administration, residence, and research.
Internet of Things (IoT) are devices that connect to a network but aren’t typical computers or phones. In a university setting, this can include smart TVs, speakers, game consoles, printers, HVAC sensors, lab instruments, digital signage, occupancy monitors, and voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home. They are used in classrooms, residence halls, offices and labs and are becoming essential to how UBC runs.
Today, there are over 2,500 IoT devices officially on UBC's Wi-Fi network, but the actual number is likely more than double that. Since 2022, the use of these devices has been growing 13-15% yearly, and future trends suggest that growth will soon hit 20%.
Until recently, there was no secure way to connect them. Many users relied on UBC-Visitor, a basic and unencrypted network that wasn’t designed to support IoT. Others created workarounds using personal routers. These methods worked but introduced problems such as security risks, network interference, device visibility to other users, and extra troubleshooting for IT.
That’s where SplashAccess comes in.
SplashAccess is a cloud-based, self-service portal that lets users register their IoT devices using their CWL. Once registered, devices are automatically placed on a secure, encrypted, and isolated network tied directly to the individual or department. This improves security, prevents devices from being exposed to others, and eliminates the need to contact IT just to get connected.
In a recent pilot, SplashAccess supported a wide range of devices across departments and faculties a wide variety of devices, including tablets, smart speakers, environmental sensors, microcomputers, 3D printers, game scoring systems, and even a data analysis interface used for nucleotide sequencing. One standout example came from Student Housing & Community Services, which needed to connect to a new fleet of Wi-Fi-enabled heat pumps. These devices didn’t work on any existing network until SplashAccess made it possible. Now, the team can monitor and manage them remotely with no on-site setup needed.
The diversity of devices and use cases highlighted the flexibility of SplashAccess and its potential to support a wide range of academic, operational, and research needs across campus. It enables smarter classrooms, supports advanced research tools, and makes campus infrastructure easier to manage. It also makes the student experience smoother, especially in residence, where connecting to Wi-Fi can now feel more like a home network.
SplashAccess is a secure, user-friendly way to connect personal and IoT devices to UBC’s Wi-Fi. It improves security, supports innovation, and makes the network easier to use for everyone from students in dorms to researchers in labs.
Geoff Armstrong, UBC Senior Wireless Network Analyst
While the solution has been selected and funding secured, SplashAccess is not yet available to the full UBC community. UBC IT teams are completing the necessary cybersecurity threat modeling, IAM integration, and feature expansion, and purchase of a 3-year contract with the vendor.
The anticipated rollout is by the end of the year, once the service meets all security and operational requirements.
